Communications

Research in the field of communication technologies is focused on innovative developments for satellite, terrestrial and combined (hybrid) broadcasting networks such as satellite-based direct-to-the-home broadcasting to fixed receivers or mobile satellite broadcasting systems as implemented in the USA (S-DARS).

The Communications Department specializes in system design, definition, analysis and validation. In addition we do research in waveform design, the implementation of hard- and software as well as real-time prototypes and in the development of first-class professional DRM test and measurement systems.

We have also been successful in creating new methods for broadband data transmission at low cost via satellite (L, S, Ku band) and in doing research for the new DVB-S2 standard.
In co-operation with the Chair of Information Technologies with focus on Communication Electronics (LIKE) we established a DVB-H experimental laboratory in 2005. Future plans are to investigate hybrid DVB-H network structures and to optimize bit streams.

Future challenges in research lie in broadcasting to mobile users in high frequency bands such as the Ku band (10-12 GHz), in mobile return link systems and in the application of state-of-the-art capacity-achieving Forward Error Correction Codes FEC.

Furthermore, future research is required in the design of complementary terrestrial transmission systems, for instance the digitalization of FM broadcasting or the integration of existing terrestrial systems such as Digital Video Broadcasting Handheld DVB-H or Digital Multimedia Broadcasting DMB.